Abbas due in Doha

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrives in Doha today. HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will discuss with Abbas the latest developments in the region, especially the Gaza situation, according to the official Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Gulf Times reported.

Abbas and Hamas political leader Khalid Mishal will also meet in Qatar to discuss a truce in Gaza, an official told the AFP news agency in Ramallah.

The official close to Abbas, speaking to the agency on condition of anonymity, said: "The president will meet Mishal to discuss ways of reaching a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip," where Israel's campaign has killed more than 340 Palestinians since July 8.

Today's meeting comes after the Hamas movement that controls the coastal territory said it had passed on its conditions for a ceasefire to Abbas, Qatar, Turkey and the Arab League.

Hamas's conditions include "an end to aggression against the Palestinian people", lifting the blockade on the territory and opening the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

They also include freedom of movement for Gaza Palestinians in the area bordering Israel, freeing prisoners rearrested after being exchanged for a seized Israeli soldier, and extending the territory's fishing zone.